Camping Trip Ideas for Kids
Camping is a valuable way to share quality family time without breaking the bank. When camping involves children, having a list of activities set up during the camping stay keeps kids entertained and occupied during the trip. Finding a campground that is kid-friendly ensures a successful and memorable trip for everyone.
Choosing a Campground
Kid-friendly campgrounds may enforce certain safety measures for their small guests. A gated entrance, lifeguard and safety patrol are all things to consider when choosing a campground. Some campgrounds have neighborhood watches where a year-round camper may be in charge of keeping an eye out for small children. Campgrounds that have safety signs incorporated where biking and walking are allowed is a better choice if the children will be riding their bikes. A "lights out by 10 p.m." rule is a must for those with small children--this will prevent unwanted noise from loud campers and assure everyone gets the rest they need.
Campground Activities
Many campgrounds already have activities in place. Weekly parades allow children to decorate their bikes, socialize and show off their design skills. Many campgrounds hold activities such as tug of war, sack races, relay races and swimming races. This is a great way for kids to build teamwork with other kid campers and make new friends. Hayrides are also popular at many campgrounds, and give kids and adults a chance to explore more areas of the campground.
Holiday seasons bring about added activities for children at the campground. Halloween allows children to dress up in their favorite costumes and venture to each campsite in search of treats. Some campgrounds hold clubhouse parties that include games, snacks, costume judging and an indoor trick-or-treating area for smaller children. Easter egg and scavenger hunts are popular kid-friendly ideas planned during spring months.
Physical Activities
When kids are camping, one of the first things they want to do is to get out and explore. Choosing a camp location that allows kids to be physically active is a healthy trip idea. Bike riding is a popular pastime for campers--especially kids. Biking gives kids a chance to ride on different terrains while making friends and staying active.
Swimming pools, ponds, water slides and lakes are commonly found at many campgrounds. Water games that incorporate rafts, inner tubes and water noodles teach children water skills and provide physical exercise. Adult supervision must be enforced at all times.
Horseshoes, volleyball and baseball are great sports activities that can be played in groups. Encouraging children to make friends and be social will create sportsmanship and competitive play.
Kid-Friendly Camp Food
Keeping kids satisfied when it comes to meals can be challenging--especially when camping. Camping meals can be created with the child to promote a sense of participation and accomplishment. Many camping foods can be created as one-dish meals--this gives the child a chance to make his own meal. Iron sandwich-makers are a great way to make hot sandwiches such as pizzas, ham and cheese and canned fruit pies. Using fresh bread, sweetened fruit mixes, meat, cheese and pizza sauce allows for easy fillings with items that are nonperishable. Food items can be placed in aluminum foil or in an iron sandwich maker and then baked over a fire. S'mores are a popular camping-trip pastime idea. Marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers and sticks are all that is required. Keep in mind that parental supervision should be enforced at all times, especially when cooking over the campfire.
Campfire
One of the main highlights of any camping trip is when friends and family gather around the campfire. Kids love spending time with loved ones, sharing stories and learning about build and maintain a fire. Campfire songs such as "Turkey in the Straw" and "The Name Game" are favorites for kids around the campfire. Teaching children cook on a fire, while at the same time establishing safe boundaries, makes campfires a fun and safe idea to implement into the camping trip.
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